Some of the intimate camera shots, similar to the closeness of Abrahamson’s Oscar-winning film Room, translate so well here at capturing the connection between the characters.
They’re also helped by the generosity of a 12-part drama (rare for the BBC) to really allow everything inch of this dynamic to be explored.
Through its sensitive performances and compelling execution, it’s easy to see this will be a series set to thrill Rooney fans.
And who knows, maybe it will also win over the uninitiated viewer to the brilliance of Normal People as well.
The first four episodes of Normal People were made available for review.
Normal People is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now and will air in double installments on Mondays at 9pm on BBC One.